Women's Hockey Legends

History of the Canada Cup

20th Anniversary of the 1993-94 Vancouver Canucks

Gordie Howe Tribute

April 19, 2016

David Shaw

David Shaw was a coach's dream. They knew exactly what to expect from him.

Shaw was a physically strong defender who played with incredible poise even from an early age. He played with a maturity beyond his years and experience. He could be counted on to cover his assignment with mistake free hockey. He moved the puck smartly while taking few risks. He had good mobility to cover a lot of ice. And he played tough and clean defense, always finishing his checks efficiently while staying out of penalty box.

Shaw offered few offensive thrills, but his coaches and teammates never minded. They knew Shaw as not Ray Bourque, but he was a valuable contributor nonetheless.

Shaw grew up in Exeter, Ontario, the son of the mayor. He joined the Kitchener Rangers in 1981-82, and as a rookie played a strong role in helping the legendary junior franchise win the 1982 Memorial Cup. He was paired with none other than Al MacInnis that season.

The Quebec Nordiques snapped up Shaw's future services with the 13th overall draft pick in 1982. The Nordiques allowed Shaw to continue developing with two more seasons in Kitchener and one in the minor leagues before bringing him on full time in 1985.

After establishing himself as a full time NHLer the Nordiques traded Shaw and John Ogrodnick to the New York Rangers in exchange for Jeff Jackson and Terry Carkner on September 30, 1987.

Shaw would go onto become a very good NHL defender in New York over the next four-plus seasons. But he will forever be remembered more for a twelve game suspension for a slashing incident with Pittsburgh's Mario Lemieux.

After brief stops in Edmonton and Minnesota, Shaw found stability in Boston and Tampa Bay in his long career. He totalled 769 NHL games, though he likely would have played a lot more had the stayed healthy. Because of the heavy minutes he played, he often was dealing with bumps and bruises and aches, as well as more serious ailments,

Shaw scored 41 goals and 194 points over the course of his career.

Shaw settled near Boston and became very active with the Bruins Alumni. He also became president of GRRO International, a commodities reusing and recycling company.

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